I’ve been hiding something from you…

I’ve been hiding something from you…

I don’t know how to tell you this. So I guess I’ll just say it. *takes deep breath*

But in just 3 weeks I will be competing in a Women’s Bodybuilding Competition.

What you’ve been seeing on YouTube is just pre-recorded video from over 12 months ago…I know. I’m sorry for being deceiving.

Umm and one of these guys is actually my brother…

And one of these guys is my significant other…

And if you haven’t gotten a heart attack yet…

Then good.

Because I am totally messing with you.

Well, kind of.

I actually am going to be competing in a contest in 3 weeks and I definitely won’t be as jacked up as the ladies in Women’s Bodybuilding above, or as muscly as these gals below in Figure…

But I will be strutting around on stage in a bikini and clear heels like these girls:

WTF you say?

Where did this come from? Ok, it’s time to blog.

Last year around this time, I went to go see a Bodybuilding show just to see what it was all about. When you’re in the fitness industry like me, you really want to understand all the different types of ways people work out to get fit. It helps when creating suitable programs for clients and students. I like exposing yourself to all sorts of exercises like Zumba, BODYPUMP, Kickboxing, Pilates, Anti-Gravity Yoga, Bikram, Pole Dance Fitness…the list goes on. There are everyday type workouts for everyday people but then, there are things you’ve probably never even imagined.

Did you know that there’s this whole other world out there that takes physical fitness to the next level?

This is the bodybuilding world. You know that thing that Arnold Schwarzenegger was famous for? Yeah, that one. But did you know that there are divisions for women too?

When attending Fitness Atlantic last year in Connecticut something about this world of bodybuilding stuck with me. it was so foreign to me – people standing and flexing on stage being PURELY judged for their physical appearance. I mean if you have something to say about beauty pageants like Miss USA and Miss Universe, you will definitely be taken aback by a competition that does not even have question and answer! I know I was.

But literally since walking away from that show was a spectator, I couldn’t help but think, what does it really take to have enough confidence to step on stage and let yourself be judged and critiqued in such a manner? Every day for nearly a year since last May I fought with myself. I wanna do it…should I do it? Is it demeaning? Should I put myself in this position? Do I give others the power to tell me my body is good enough or not good enough to be Top 5? Everyone around me told me no.

And you know what?

Last month I decided, what the heck. Stop wondering, just do it.

And you know what else? It’s been one of the scariest and best decisions I’ve ever made.

First of all, I want you to understand that I am doing this to experience fitness in a whole new way on a whole new level. Bodybuilding and fitness competitions like these are a form of a sport. I understand that it may SEEM like I am allowing myself to be objectified and judged based purely on my outside physical appearance, but let me tell you, this journey towards getting in ultimate shape has taught me SO MUCH about the importance of diet, nutrition, my body, my athleticism, my willpower, my emotional strength, my mental toughness, and my overall power as a human being.

So for the past month I’ve been training my butt off to get into bikini shape. I’ve been hitting the gym a couple times a day, upping the intensity of my cardio, eating SUPER DUPER clean (and every 2-3 hrs just like the Blogilates 90 Day Meal Plan) and get this…I even hired a personal trainer.

Uhh what!!?

A trainer needs a trainer!?

Well hellzzz yes!

When Cassey gets serious, she gets effin SERIOUS.

I have 3 weeks left til competition day (May 5th) and I am looking into the mirror and seeing lines on my abs that I have never seen before. My butt is lifting from all of those squats. It is one of the most rewarding, mesmerizing, and satisfying things to see – knowing that your hard work and time put in PAYS OFF. This bikini competition means a lot to me because it will allow me to better understand my body and it gives me something to work towards. I mean, I aint steppin on stage unless I am confident rockin’ a bikini in front of hundreds of people! So you better bet I’ve been taking my weight lifting, HIITs, and running super seriously.

There’s also really fun aspects to the competition too! Like buying a cute bikini, struttin around in clear 5″ heels, getting my hair, nails , and makeup done…not only do I have to train hard like a guy, but I have to learn how to walk with sass like a model! I’ve been practicing my walk and turns DAILY! I’m so not even kidding.

And you know why I was asking you guys about makeup the other day on facebook? Because I need to learn how to do my own on the day of the competition. Here’s me at MAC with tons of makeup on after a very informative tutorial!

I am not a beauty guru by any means…so I decided to take the makeup girl’s suggestions on brushes and shadows and foundations. I decided to by everything once and for all so I wouldn’t have to go through it again.

Let’s just say that the above costed a pretty fortune and that I hope not to spend like that again in a GOOD couple years.

So for the next 3 weeks you will probably be reading about my struggles as a fitness competitor and how hard the dieting and working out is. It will be good for you to learn too just in case you ever decide you want to do a contest and push yourself that EXTRA mile.

The work has been tough, I’ve been strict, but I am so fortunate that I have had lots of very supportive people around me since I made the decision to compete. I can’t go out, drink, party, or socialize over food like a normal human until after the contest because the diet is the #1 thing to getting lean enough for a competition like this. People have been very mindful of my situation 🙂

Also, my trainer is the best. He is a former bodybuilding champ himself and knows how to push me to my limits. I don’t like it when people go easy on me. I like to be pushed. I wanna be sore. I wanna be dying. I want someone to kick my butt SO BAD. And he’s helped me make changes in my body that I only dreamed of! He also cares about my success the way I genuinely care about your guys’ success with my POP Pilates workouts. It’s hard to find people like that. I feel very very lucky.

I’ll introduce him to you in a future video as the comp gets closer.

I also want you to keep in mind that I am entering a bikini COMPETITION where muscle tone and symmetry are the bases for scoring. Not a bikini CONTEST where booty shaking gets you the prize.

Or where not eating a lot and wearing sexy lingerie will get you stage time.

The girls in the picture I first showed you LIFT HEAVY. They are strict with their diet and they are powerhouses in the gym. Trust me. That is what I am doing now. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about the girls above, I’m just saying it takes WORK to compete in bikini on an athletic level. Which hopefully helps you understand why I am deciding to compete.

I feel like I wanna say so much! I guess we can talk more in the comments and in blog posts following this one. So far, the whole experience leading up to the competition has been very positive and rewarding. I am so excited to show you my progress pics in just a few weeks and what I will look like on show day.

So yeah, I’m not pregnant, getting married or getting engaged. I’m entering a bikini competition. That was my secret!

So tell me, what do you think about this? Would you ever enter a physique competition? What are your thoughts?

127 thoughts on “I’ve been hiding something from you…”

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  1. Elham Malik says:

    It is 2017 and I am happy to say that the Cassey of 5 years ago is gone. We have a healthier, glowier, sexyier Cassey Ho. Se taught me how to happy and healthy, not sexy and tan. That makes me happy. So thank you Cassey.

    1. Niyati Mavinkurve says:

      I know right? I can make out the difference too.

  2. Leann Mercer says:

    Hello! I just got back from watching and partaking in my first NPC Bikini competition. I am 39 and went in a competition in Mesa on the weekend. There were 317 athletes in the show and 120 women in bikini. A lot of great bodies for sure. I was pretty lean measuring 12% the week before the show and I do not have implants, many did have implants. I was happy with my body and that I did it, I felt I looked as fit as I have ever looked. I was judged and did not place top 5, I also think that body is not the only factor. You are out there with 15 others at a big show and you have about 1 minute of your turns etc and they have made their decisions. Posing/ sass is very mportant to winning, more then a perfect physique as most are pretty perfect! So, I do not know where you are competing but good luck and remember you look awesome! It is an accomplishment just to have the dicipline to be there! Keep up the work on your posing!

  3. Amy says:

    Good luck! Inspiring. And to think that I’ve seen you at the local Sports Center (you know where!) and didn’t stop you for an autograph :]

    I’d be interested in knowing how hard your personal trainer pushed you… though I guess that’s the benefit of having a personal trainer. Just in January I started to lift heavy and I’ve seen lots of changes in my body. I wonder if that’s the secret–lifting heavy, HIIT, and eating clean (and resting, of course!)? I love that your abs are starting to really show–that’s been a goal of mine for half a year now.

  4. Shari says:

    i would to be able to do that but i have no willpower! i am happy for you! i think this summer i want to train like im doing a competition like that

  5. Amy says:

    i have to say, when i first saw those bodybuilding pics i was thinkin..you got a long way to go those chicks are HUGE haha. but bikini contests are awesome (not that bodybuilding ones arent). i think those girls look amazing and are SO strong. you look awesome..and what an accomplishment to be so dedicated and work so hard. you’ll be so proud of yourself..to me, there isnt a difference bt this and training for a marathon..u work your ass off with both and both are an incredible accomplishment…congrats! i look forward to hearing how it goes!

  6. Lissette says:

    Cassey, I’m happy you did not let the wondering overtake your desire to know. Good Luck! You will have a magnificent experience. – Positive thoughts pave the way to positive experiences – 🙂

  7. Jessica says:

    OMG! This is amazing! I am sooo happy for you!! But you must promise to post pics!

  8. Xochitl says:

    That is just awesome! I would like to compete in a bikini competition! You go girl!

  9. Rachel says:

    I think this just made me love you more lol you are so inspiring and this is so awesome! Good luck!!!

    I actually want to start toning up and cleaning my diet (I have the occasional sweet lol) so this is great motivation! <3

  10. Jessica says:

    i noticed you getting more toned. so this is why. that is super awesome to see you going for. it’s nice to see when girls go for heavy lifting and working on being strong rather than just thin. i’m definately rooting for you! <3

  11. Jenna says:

    So I have to tell you that I have actually been toying with the idea of doing a bikini competition as well, and after seeing your post you have inspired me to give it a go! You look amazing already and I know you will do awesome! Your beautiful smile and confidence will make a big impact! I am wondering, will you be sharing some of your training regimen and diet with us? I would LOVE to know what you are going through so I can get an idea of what it’s going to be like!! Good luck and just remember you are already a winner just for putting in so much hard work and effort into your body!! 🙂

    1. blogilates says:

      thank u and yes i’ll be sharing. DURR!

  12. Hey girl! I follow your blog but have never commented until now. I’m also an FFA and know Rebekah 😉 But to the point….this is AWESOME! I totally love that you’re doing this. It’s crazy but sometime last yr I had the same thought process as you and am so interested in this. I dunno if I’ll ever follow through with it but am inspired that you are. Keep us posted! xo

    1. blogilates says:

      super cool! u should do it!

  13. Danielle Noonan says:

    Sounds like you are working hard and this will be a super fun challenge for you. I have been following your blog for a little while now and love you workout videos. I really like that you are one of the more natural work out instructors out there. I feel like once ladies become professional fitness models they eventually feel the pressure to get their boobs done to fit the “ideal.” Resist Cassey Resist!! LOL None of my business really but looking at the pictures of those women who lift got me worried for you. 🙂

    1. blogilates says:

      I know…like 99% of all the professional fitness models and bikini girls have fake boobs.

  14. GIRL! I am so excited for you!!!! These competitions have recently peaked my interest so I am excited to hear more and cheer you on!!! <3

  15. Leanne says:

    HOW SUPER DUPER DUPER AWESOMELY GREAT!!! YOU ARE GONNA ROCK!!!

    I’D LOVE to be as fit one day to be able to compete in competitions like those!! Who know 😉 one day I might take your lead and train like an animal to get there 😀

    Good job Cassey!!! You’re such a lovely inspiration to us all!

  16. Lea says:

    Cassey, this is freaking epic!!! Wow!! You are so brave and strong! I am starting 40 days of super clean eating and craycray workouts. I will start this Monday and you will be my main motivator*

  17. Hazel says:

    I admire how brave you are lol! But you deserve to show off and be proud of your body! I wish you the best of luck!!

  18. Holly says:

    awesomee, although please don’t turn into one of those self indulgent body builders who can only talk about how many egg whites they ate or the the best way to flavour a chicken breast. But no seriously, you look hot

  19. ginitabella says:

    Funny you mention bodybuilding. I’ve actually been thinking about starting to do the same! Make sure to blog about your journey 🙂 I’m always looking for some motivation!

  20. Alexandra says:

    Way to go Cassey, and I am sure you took the right decision ! You must be super excited about this, and I cross my fingers for it to be a great experience ! When it comes to me I entered a big national casting here in my country 2 months ago, and ended among the 10 finalists, which made me really happy and boosted my self esteem x 100 !!!

  21. Good for you, girl! I wish I had the confidence and dedication to give it a go.

  22. Ni Ni says:

    i salute you on the courage to enter this. personally, i dun think i am that strong enough! You will be able to make it, Cassey – i am not saying you will get the 1st place or anything but I feel that once you enter any contest – you win! for me its not the prize but the mind set, goal & time you put into it. You have been my idol for so long and you have impressed me (not sure this is the right word) again and again. I am so glad i have met you (well virtually) in my life. keep moving up, you will be reaching the top in no time. all the best!!! <3

  23. Stepha says:

    Cas this is awesome!! It’s great to see you really step out of your comfort zone and really challenge yourself. I can’t wait to see the pics 🙂

  24. Farah says:

    Wow Cassey you’re such an inspiration. That is all I have to say.

  25. Kris says:

    good luck cassey! i think its great youre doing the fitness competition! you just inspired me to work harder! :]

  26. Caroline Frawley says:

    Good on you Cassey! You never stand still. Always progressing!! What a woman!!

  27. Tina says:

    Congratulations and good luck!! I’m living through you since competing has always been one of my dreams. I look forward to reading your posts about the competition. Maybe I’ll be inspired to really go for it as well!!!

  28. Celina says:

    wow thats amazing. I know you’ll do great. I would probably never enter something like that,( i have horrible stage fright). Anyway, you doing this is awesome, i feel motivated to try something crazy…(maybe later in the future) haha. Well i wish you luck!

  29. Drea says:

    Congrats! You make me want to pursue my dream…or at least take a shot at it! I’ve been having the same feelings, like “should I try it out? eh? Maybe not, people might think it’s dumb.” But you make me motivated to do it! SO THANK YOU! BTW could you post your diet on here like what you’re eating AND your exercise..like as far as cardio vs. weights and carbs vs. protein and what kind of carbs you’re eating if you are. :p and how long it’s taken you etc. 🙂

  30. Patty Blake says:

    You. are. awesome.

    AND.. A NEVERENDING source of motivation and encouragement!!!

    I’m excited to read more posts about your adventure^^

  31. Melissa says:

    Congratulations! I think it’s awesome that you challenge yourself to do new things and step out of your comfort zone!

  32. Tara says:

    You go girl! Best of luck!

  33. Deloris Sanchez says:

    Good for you Cassey! That is something that I’ve always wanted to do to! I’ve made it my goal for my 30th year. 🙂 (unless ofcourse, me and my husband are pregnant again…) Anyway, I just wanted to say YOU ROCK, and I look up to you in many ways. You’ve got this girl! BTW, keep all MAC makeup containers. You can give them back when you have 6 containers for a free eye shadow, lipstick, or gloss! (I recommend getting an eye shadow. JS.) 🙂 Wishing you the best on comp day!

  34. Adrian says:

    Best of luck to you, Cassey! I’m glad you’re trying something new and taking fitness to a new level! My self-defense instructor, Andrea Khoo, was a previous body-building competitor. Her schedules are literally organized down to the last minute, she is hard-working, and she is such an inspiration to her students, just like you are to us! It took a while for me to get over the shock that you, our fitness instructor, also has a personal trainer, because I was wondering how you’ve gotten skinner lately..

  35. Victoria says:

    I’m pretty sure you’re doing the NPC Contra Costa one in the beginning of May, am I right? I was considering that one but decided to maybe attend it to see, and prep for the October one in our area. Best of luck, I might just see you there!

    1. blogilates says:

      that’s right! see u there!

  36. Honest says:

    You don’t have the body for a bikini competition, no offense. It is not that you aren’t working hard, it’s genetics. Most Asian women do not have the v shape that judges look for. You also don’t have a boob job and I don’t care what anyone has to say, the judges will not score you as high. I compete in figure and I just don’t want you to be offended when you score poorly.

      1. Holly says:

        oh wow, I disagree, I know heaps of hot female asian body builders

    1. April says:

      Tell that to Tianna Ta.

      Good luck to you Cassey!

      http://contest.bodybuilding.com/bio/159941/

      1. blogilates says:

        I love Tianna Ta! She is my asian IFBB pro role model 🙂

  37. maria says:

    Good for you! Don’t let anyone define what is empowerment for you, sounds like you are doing amazing!

  38. sharon says:

    Awesome! Yeah I used to think bodybuilding was cray-cray but as I’m getting more and more into this health and fitness thing I definitely have a huge amount of respect for bodybuilders, as long as they are keeping themselves healthy. Just a little confused though…were you joking about the brother/significant other part? Haha. I’m curious.

  39. rana says:

    First let me tell you how amazing you look in these new photos! It seems you lost weight and toned pretty well! Second, Best of luck in your competition you train hard and wish to explore new domains (nothing wrong with that!)

  40. Emily says:

    I think it’s so good of you to push yourself like this and try for something you really wanna do! From a feminist perspective, I think it’s great that you’re proud of your body and want to show people how hard you’ve worked. You’re v inspirational 🙂

  41. You go girl! A Bikini competition is on my bucket list..but I haven’t been able to take the plunge. I am excited to see how your experience is!

  42. Mary says:

    I’m excited for you because you seem so excited! 🙂 I used to work for the Y (not as a trainer though) so I have seen firsthand the hard work that goes into preparing for competitions like these. I’ve always found it fascinating and I’m looking forward to reading more posts about it.

  43. Patti says:

    This is awesome, Cassey! Good luck!

    On getting onstage and allowing yourself to be judged…

    This is (weirdly) part of my job. Even though the real meat of my job is my acting, and allowing people to get sucked into another world, inevitably I get judged physically, especially when I play a part that specifically has dialogue saying I’m hot! I wrote a little post on the unexpected psychological effects this has had on me:
    http://thisstartstonight.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/fair-lady-say-you-so/

    Basically, I thought it would be awesome to be cast as “the hot girl” but it totally undermined my confidence! Every workout builds it back, up, though.

    Rock that competition!!

  44. lobotronic says:

    I think this is an awesome idea. Congrats of taking those steps!

    I think that the world of fitness competitions and bodybuilding is a subculture of fitness that is extremely misunderstood. When you go to the competition, please interview some of the girls! You could get tons of interesting ideas and information for some blog posts. I think it would be good to actually show what these girls do and how they feel about their fitness decisions. Please interview some bodybuilding ladies, to show your readers a side of exercise they may have some bias against. I know that heavily-muscled ladies often get a negative image, so this is a good chance to reverse that.

    And good luck with training~

  45. Casey:

    A couple of things coming from a former pageant girl.

    1) Your T stance is FABULOUS! But your posture sucks. Straighten your back and pull your shoulders back. From there turn your torso so you’re at a slight angle, drop your arm closest to the judges down and rest your back arm on your hip. By doing this, you’re elongating the muscles in your torso, making you look even leaner (and showing off your abs!) and taller.

    2) The whole self esteem thing. I get where you’re coming from because I’m not a typical pageant girl (trust me, the typical pageant girls don’t get me or like me) but I did them in college because it seemed different and fun. I tell people all the time (and you’re more than welcomed to steal this), I did pageants because I had a self esteem, not because I needed one. You’ll never see those judges again and those 5/7/9 strangers have no bearing on who you are or the rest of your life. Pageants, like the fitness and body building competition, can be fun if you’re willing to have fun along with your hard work.

    A former roommate was a female body builder and she was pretty awesome. I’ll be looking forward to your journey to the competition itself. Good luck!

  46. Chelsea says:

    I’m so excited for you! This is my dream to enter one right here. How much do you think it’s cost you? Like the trainer, the bikini, the make-up, etc.. that’s really the only thing I’m worried about to be honest.

  47. Alexandra says:

    Looks like the MAC counter at Newpark!

  48. Holly says:

    You are an intelligent, innovative, and beautiful girl! And while I don’t believe you need to spend tons of money on makeup (or whatever brand of fake tanning lotion these girls obviously use… haha), I do believe that you are allowed to do whatever you want to do. Just know that we all appreciate you as you are. You are the only pilates/training/fitness instructor I’ve found that doesn’t annoy me! Have fun and good luck with your competition(s) and remember this quote from Shakespeare: “this, above all, to thine own self be true.”

  49. Helen says:

    Hi Cassey,
    Helen here, nutrition editor at Oxygen magazine. Congrats on taking your fitness to the next level! I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and I’m so shocked and excited by this news. You should visit our site oxygenmag.com for competition info and real life stories of women just like you going on stage for the first time. Congrats again, and good luck! Keep me posted on your results!
    Twitter @helenvong

    1. blogilates says:

      OMGGGGGGGG I love oxygen!!!!!! So tweeting u right now.

  50. BetsC says:

    Hi Cassey,

    I just discovered your videos yesterday and loved them. I then followed a link and found your website, …what a great find!!!

    I LOVE that you have the courage to compete in a bikini competition, …I am trully inspired by you!

    I have been doing cardio & strength training (5-6 x week) coming up on a year and clean eating for the past 6 months.

    I’m excited for you and I’m really looking forward to reading about your experience.

    I wish you all the best with this endeavor!!!

    BetsC
    http://www.betscblog.com

  51. Louisa T. says:

    Had you said this 3yrs ago, I would’ve thought: wow, that’s so vain! Plus, everyone there uses supplements”. But now, I have a whole new perspective on body building and I think it’s fantastic you’re doing it! I think after you’ve seriously weight trained and have been to watch a body building competition yourself, will you truly appreciate the competition and the participants. For a while, I thought about doing one myself.

    2 years ago I was actively training with a personal trainer at my gym and a good few of the trainers at the gym do those comps. The guys train for the heavy weight divisions (just like the picture you posted above) and my trainer was training for the bikini one (just like you!). During my training sessions, hearing about her everyday training sessions with her trainer, and listening to her talk about prepping her meals etc. made me realize how hard these people work to get their bodies to look the way they do. I mean, I was training hard (at least I felt that way), and trying so hard to follow the ridiculously clean (and bland) meal plan she gave to get what I thought was a little bit of muscle definition. Imagine how much harder they have to train, and how much healthier they have to eat to look like that! After watching her first comp in San Jose, I have a whole new appreciation for serious body builders. These people worked hard, and sacrifice a lot. In my opinion, yes they are being judged by how good their body “look,” but I see it more as a testament to how HARD they worked. The fact that they trained hard to be on that stage, already makes them a winner. And yes, Cassey that means you. =) Best of luck!! We’re all here rooting for you. =)

  52. Dina says:

    I think it is awesome and you will always look back and think you are glad you did it! however, it makes me a little sad. It is to close to home… I am still in that “I wish, I want to do it” stage, but I don’t know a first thing about it. Entering into this unknown world is a bit scary.. =(

  53. Patricia says:

    Well, I am a feminist, so I would usually be against such things, but I guess it’s men AND women, and it’s a celebration of your fitness lifestyle, and not so much sexuality, the clear heels are a little iffy though, but hey, if you know why you are there who cares what other people think!

    1. Ab says:

      As a feminist, shouldn’t you be supportive of whatever a woman chooses to do, regardless of whether you agree with it or not, so long as it’s her choice? What’s wrong with women who choose to participate in bikini competitions and the like? If it’s empowering to them, more power to them for it.

      1. Adrian says:

        I agree with Cassey. It’s society (being male-driven) that tells women it’s taboo for a lady to showcase her body. So what? The more power to you indeed.

  54. hey,i’d like to say goodluck to you! i trained with a bodybuilder last summer, and he was training my friend for his team; she was the bikini part of his team, so i definitely know what you’re going through! but more power to you! it is very hard to mentally challenge yourself everyday! i hope you win!

  55. Kaoh says:

    Yay! Good luck woman! You are gonna look fabulous the right way 😉 Can’t wait to see and hear more about this experience!

  56. Kristen says:

    That is so awesome! Good luck with the training you’ll look great! Keep us posted, I’m excited to hear more about it!

  57. Sass says:

    I never comment because I’m always just reading your blog and watching your videos, but I wanted to comment today to say that I am totally wishing you the best with this. This is something I want to do as well in the future. Cannot wait to see all your comp pictures. Cheering you on!

  58. Jessie says:

    I think you need to record a video of you getting your butt kicked by your awesome trainer. That way I can work out with you and pretend I’m competing in a bikini contest. This is super sweet. What do you eat to get in that kind of shape? I watched a show once and a guy that was competing ate heads of lettuce for his meals and then of course protein powder with water. It was craziest most dedicated thing I have ever watched! I can’t wait for you to share!

  59. Lina says:

    How awesome is this!? Totally. We’ll be supporting all the way.

  60. I would love to see a day in the life of Cassey training for a competition. Please share!

  61. Stephanie says:

    GOOD LUCK CASSEY!!!! I have been toying with the idea myself, wondering what it would be like as I’ve been on my weight loss journey. As i’ve demolished kilo after kilo i’ve actually started thinking I should totally take it to the next level! First I have to get rid of the last of my excess weight 😉
    I def respect bodybuilding competitions because the aesthetic is judged but there is no doubt as to the levels of commitment and hard work that go in. So even without a question segment, I respect those kinds of competitions far more than beauty pageants where depending on your genes, you don’t have to do much and learn how to answer the questions anyway. More power to you and can’t wait to see your progress!!

  62. Wow Cassey! This was actually so motivating! Although I won’t be pushing as hard as you, I definitely want to put more effort in (the eating clean part for sure! Haha). Looking forward to hearing more about this 🙂

  63. Kim says:

    That’s so exciting!! Good luck to you, I’d love to hear more about your training process leading up to it!

  64. Jessica A. says:

    This takes a lot of hard work, dedication, sweat, and maybe tears and I commend you for it! I would do this one day just to get a feel how it is to bust my ass to be my most physically fit and healthy and then have the confidence that my tears were for something! I thrive on competition! Can’t wait to see pics before and during the competition!

  65. Katrina says:

    That’s awesome! You go girl!

    Just one thing: Please, PLEASE do not do the oompa loompa tan thing. I admire women who do these competitions but they all blur together when they have the same skin color, same hair, same bikinis. I want to see individuals not tanned barbies with muscle.

  66. Marie says:

    Ahhh!! That is AWESOME! It’s my secret dream to do a bikini contest, but having kids has left me with extra skin and separated abs (tmi, sorry). My goal is to be that toned and lift a ton of weight. I’m so excited for you!

  67. Jenny says:

    Love it! Doing anything (as long as you are not hurting anyone) outside of the box can only strengthen you as a human being! Best of luck to you!
    Namaste.
    Jenny

  68. Apfelkern says:

    When I saw the first pictures I was like “what the heck is that?!”. Does she want to become one of those scary bodybuilders that do look a little like humans at least?!

    But when I realised that you want to compete in the bikini competition which means that you’re not turning in one of those Hulk-like bodybuilders (phewww…) it was really impressing to me that you have the guts to participate. To be honest I just decided to go skating today because you told us how hard you work out. So I’m going to make me skate an extra kilometre so that I’ll understand at least a little how exhausted you might feel after alll that workout.
    Well, for somebody who runs a halfmarathon on Inliners an extra kilometre might not be enough… awww.

    I wish you all the best for your competition! Doesn’t matter how the other girls will look -in my heart you’re the winner yet!
    At least don’t the other girls kick my ass and wake a bad consciousness to make me train harder.

    Will you have to get that totally scary tan as well? Especially on blondes it looks so terribly fake – good for you! ; )
    You look so pretty and full of energy!

    Best wishes,

    Apfelkern

  69. Alejandra S. says:

    I think it’s great that you found an inspiring challenge for yourself. Whatever you set your energy to will surely inspire all of us too. I wish you all the best in your journey and can’t wait to see your progress photos. I know you’ll do amazing!

  70. Heather says:

    I think this is amazing. Good Luck!

  71. casey clackler says:

    i think thats a great idea for you! btw your makeup will loook fabulous!!!
    your going to ROCK that competetion! just dont go all CRAZY big (not classy) or too ORANGE!! (eeekkk)
    kick some MAJOR BOOTY!!!!!!
    (btw my butt STILL hurts from two days ago from the leg workout! YES!)

  72. Bindi says:

    Cassey, good luck in the competition!! You are great, look great and so brave to compete!!! You deserve to show all the work that is behind the body of yours!!!

    When we did the 90 day challenge you made for us popsters i set a goal for myself, to be able to stay under 60kg (when we started i was about 63kg), getting stronger, fit and more lean. What is it now, 3 months we ended the challenge? Now I’m ca 56kg, that is a loss of nearly 20kg since i got determined to get in shape 2 and a half years ago. It has been a tough road especially the last part of it, but that was when i found blogilates and it all felt possible again and i have managed to reach my goals. Your videos are so effective, and when i finally manage to do all the moves i feel so happy about myself. And i have learned so much about my body and how it works, and to see and feel the muscle tissue getting more appearent is something i never experienced until i started with blogilates. (maybe one day i will be as brave as some of the others has been here and let you see the difference Cassey, blogilates and the supportive community of popsters made me accomplish. Oh and in 5 days i’m off for my first beach vacation in my life, i’m going to maldives. 🙂

    All the best to you Cassey!!! Can’t wait to hear more about the competition and your journey towards this.

    XO

  73. Erin says:

    Wait, so one of those hot guys in that picture is NOT your boyfriend? Damn … I already picked out which one I was hoping it was.

    Good luck! I can’t say it’s anything I would ever aspire to (and I hope you keep us regular ol’ folk who just want to be healthy and look OK in mind as your blog and perhaps future bodybuilding career continues), but it will be interesting to follow your journey.

  74. You’re definitely an inspiration. I adore your workouts and always seem to feel it the next day.

    What you’re doing is going to be tough though, probably more difficult emotions and psychologically then physically.

    You want to do it – whatever the outcome – do it. Please don’t get hung up on the “top 5”. You’re an incredible person and your vast following should support that.

    Go for it. I’m rooting for you! We all are.

  75. Kat says:

    I think this is awesome! It is the ultimate in self discipline and motivation 🙂 .

  76. Annabelle says:

    I’m actually so glad that you’re doing the competition and sharing your experiences with us. It seems like when these sorts of competitions get brought up, more often than not, you see a lot of negative remarks thrown at the women who participate in them- like they’re not at all healthy, they’re not “real” women because of their more masculine looking physiques, they all do steroids in order to look like that, etc. I’m glad to see you’re so excited about it and I know your experiences will be noting but positive, so here’s hoping you can help quash some of those crappy rumors. Best of luck!

  77. Dora says:

    This is so awesome! I just recently started a bodybuilding program, and so far I love it! I’m not actually doing a competition, it’s more just to see how far I can change my shape (right now it’s on the soft, squishy side). I hope you’ll post more updates with lots of pictures!

  78. Sarah says:

    I think that’s awesome and wish you the best of luck!!! You are such an inspiration, Cassey. You make me want to take it up a notch and be the best that I can be!

  79. Emily says:

    I have actually been thinking about competing in a bikini competition for a while & am so excited for you!! I think it will be great & you may have inspired me to push myself to just do it! Good luck!!

  80. Morgan Jones says:

    I think you’re an inspiration and I wish you all the best luck Cassey! go kick some ass!

  81. Sarah says:

    Wow more power to you! I think it’s great if you have the confidence for it! You totally look great in that picture above! Love the new hair color on you! Good luck Cassey, you will do great!

  82. Michelle says:

    OMG! Cassey, really? That is so cool!
    I sit here, wide eyed and grinning like an idiot!
    I think its absolutely great to push yourself to the next level as long as you’re staying healthy and don’t get all addicted to bodybuilding!

    I’m so so excited to hear more about this, how you’re doing, to meet your hunky bodybuilding trainer (definitely can’t wait for him mhhh…)

    So please keep us updated, I’m totally into this bodybuilding world!

  83. Randi says:

    Best of luck to you Cassey! I admire you for having the confidence to step out on stage in a bikini! Will you have to tan like the fitness models in the photos? Please do a post about that!

  84. Elina says:

    WOW!!! I’m impressed (and relieved – thought you were leaving for a looong holiday or something and didn’t have the heart to tell us earlier)!
    The idea is totally new and strange to me as I usually viewed such competitions as not particularly feminine but can feel it means a lot to you and am excited about your new challenge. Plus, it might open my eyes as to what it takes to participate in those competitions.
    GOOD LUCK to you and keep us posted!
    El
    P.S. Maaaan that was some serious make-up set!

  85. Marianna says:

    Hi Casey!! Want to wish you much success for the competition. I think it a great thing to try something new especially if it’s to improve yourself. Please keep us posted – I enjoy reading your status updates and blogs. Also, please give us some tips – I want to gain lean muscle myself. Train hard!!!! Good luck!!!

  86. Chrystal says:

    Good luck! You’ll be the best one there! 😀

  87. Andrea says:

    I admire your discipline and willpower so much. If I had just a little bit more of that! Good luck Cassey- you might not need it though cause it seems you have been working really hard…

  88. Virginia says:

    That is so great! My dh does natural bodybuilding comps, so he looks like the picture your SO is in, and omg the diet is the worst! Have you had to boil chicken yet? or tilapia? Lol
    I wish you the best of luck and I kNOW you will look Fierce on stage!

  89. Elisabeth says:

    All the best, Cassey! My father was a professional bodybuilder and then judge so I know how very hard it is. He was there at one of the Mr. Universe competitions that Arnold won. I noticed the muscles in your squat video. Very nice! 🙂

  90. Emma Pericaud says:

    Good work Cassey, that’s great to hear 🙂

  91. Emma Pericaud says:

    Good work Casey, that’s great to hear 🙂

  92. Laren says:

    Wow Cassey! You are doing something really admirable! Becos you took the courage to enter a physique competition which i doubt many would do so! So don’t be silly to even say you’re hiding something or even say that you lied abt anything! You’re doing really great! And definitely pushing your limits so you do deserve your win! And i’m really motivated by your passion towards fitness and like you’ve mentioned it’ll a whole new experience and a whole new ground for you to flauny fitness. So go for it and i wish you the very best of it!
    Keep going!! You have all of our fullest support! 🙂

    Much Love,
    Laren.

  93. Emily says:

    Oh my goodness, Cassey! That is AWESOME! If you are comfortable with people judging you based on your physique you should totally go for it! You would always be wondering, “what if?” if you ended up not going through with it anyways. And I’m sure you will do GREAT! You look great and its very obvious that all your hard work is paying off! Thanks for sharing with us. Looking forward to hearing how everything goes! But no matter what, try not to get discouraged if worse comes to worse. So many people look up to and admire you for all your AWESOMENESS. Don’t let a competition get in the way of that. We love you and are supporting you all the way!! Bring home the gold! Good luck! 😀

  94. Kate Corey says:

    How exciting! Bikini sounds like a ton of fun! A good friend is training for her first figure competition now, so I see the hard work and determination you need to be successful! Train hard lady!! Good luck!

  95. Girl, I can’t wait to see you with that competition tan! 🙂

  96. Kate fitzsimons says:

    Oh wow cassey that is so exciting!! I cannot wait to see ur journey, please share as much as u can with us as my trainer suggested a bikini competition but I’ve been too shy to stand up and give it a go. But I think you could teach me so much and perhaps give me enough self confidence to do it. Best of luck, we are all behind you 100% 🙂

  97. Lizzy says:

    WAY TO GO! More people should try and persue what they really want and push themselves to work hard for it! I think it is so awesome!!

  98. Sally Sue says:

    You know what? You rock! What a great experience for you!

    I am so rooting for you. It’s amazing how you find the strenghth to just keep going on and on and push yourself even further when you do already have a great body! You are such an inspiration especially since my weight loss is kinda slow at the moment and I feel demotivated a lot. Thanks for posting this, it totally picked me up.

    loads of love
    S

  99. Katie says:

    Casey!
    I am so excited for you!! I am pretty new around here, just found blogilates a few weeks ago and I am loving it. I myself have been considering doing a bikini competition (seriously… couldn’t they have thought of a better name??) but I have a long way to go before that.. which your videos are totally helping with. I’m really looking forward to your future posts about it! Kill it!

    1. Katie says:

      oh my goodness… sorry about spelling your name wrong, i can’t edit it!

  100. susan says:

    congrats on your new journey Cassey!
    I feel the same way about being pushed. I wish i had someone to work with me :/
    and i LOVE the fact that you were getting a make-over in your bangin’ booty shorts!!!!! <3 i think we would totally be besties 😉
    congrats again, and best of luck!!

  101. Lucie says:

    Oh wow!!! This is really inspiring!! I’ve been following your pilates workouts on Youtube for a while now and I’ve always loved how bubbly you are!! Now you’ve made a big decision and you have all my support!! It’s really great and I wish you the best of luck!!
    Looking forward to reading about the competition!
    🙂

  102. Grati says:

    Goodluck Cassie!!! I would enter a competition like that,supossing my body was anything like yours:)))
    And i´m sure but you did not fool me,not after saying the youtube videos were pre-recorded 12 month ago:D
    I´m really looking forward for you to come tell us all about the ¨inside¨ of this competition.It sure looks fun so enjoy it to the max and take lots of photos to post on the blog;)))
    Good luck,again!

  103. Nadine says:

    aw gosh cassey i wish you just came to me for makeup, would have been so much cheaper! i live in CT! i can’t believe you were here! good luck in your competition and just remember to never let it get out of your control. there is such a thing as going overboard on fitness.

  104. Heliana says:

    OMG!! How exciting!! I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted and then share with us how your trainer is kicking your booty so we can get a taste of what you are going through… Get It Girl!!

  105. Treacle234 says:

    Good luck Cassey and Keep us posted on how the experience was for you when it your all finished with the competition.

  106. Rati says:

    YES!! you are seriously so inspiring. I am also working my way to this fitness women body building thing. And I am taking it one month at a time. I’ve been in it no for about 3weeks and am seeing changes in my body and being very strict on my diet and water and etc. I’m doing it because I love the discipline of it and the challenge of it! Its awsome that you challenge yourself in different aspects of fitness. You Go Girl!. I cant wait to hear how your competition goes :D. Keep pushing through these final weeks. GoodLuck. You are such an inspiration. 😀

  107. Sharon Painter says:

    Kudos to you for fulfilling a goal! I am excited to follow you on this journey! You are so inspiring and I know that you will do great!

  108. Linda says:

    Wow! This is so cool, I look forward to reading all about it! 🙂 Best of luck to you!!

  109. Anni says:

    I think this is a great Idea…
    you rock, cassey <3

    If we would have such bikini competitions here, i would also want to participate…
    I love these amazing, muscular bodies that the bikini competitors have <3

  110. Melissa Marco says:

    Goodluck Cassey! That is such exciting news. I’ve even been toying with the same idea so I’ll look forward to your blogs and the lead up to the comp and all the info you share with us! I’m really excited to hear about everything.

  111. emma says:

    Hi,

    Don’t think I would ever be brave enough to enter a comp, but I think it is awesome that you are!!! Young girls need more people like you as there role models. I love it! Also I love POP pilates!! Can already see the difference it is making to my body and my self confidence. Thank you so much for always being so positive and uplifting! Good luck as you continue you’re diet and fitness routine for the competition. Will be thinking of you!

    <3

  112. Angie says:

    I think it’s great that you are doing the competition! I wish you the best of luck!!